Sudeep who played a challenging role in S.S. Rajamouli's 'Naan Ee' is elated by superstar Rajinikanth's praise for his performance in the film.

The Kannada hero was in Chennai on Aug.4 when he had an interaction with mediapersons. He said Rajini has told him that he saw the movie and that "I outperformed him as villain" He would never forget the superstar's praise, which is equal to winning an Oscar award.

Sudeep said he has seen many successes and failures in his life. It is not a success when a film runs for 100 days or a film celebrates the silver jubilee. A film can be said to be a big success only if viewers coming out of the theatres, immediately call their relatives and friends and ask them to see it. 'Naan Ee' has received such reception by Tamil audiences.

Sudeep said he had been asked why he being a hero in Kannada played villain in 'Naan Ee'. In his view, it is not important whether one plays hero or villain. What is important is the character and who the director is. He would not have been part of 'Naan Ee" if the director was other than Rajamouli. "I found it hard to act via-a-vis the ubiquitous fly within the parameters set by the technicians. It would not have been so difficult had he acted if the fly that troubled him was only imaginary and not in the film. "However, I am happy that my suffering has now paid off," Sudeep said.